Bus Shelters Aren’t Smoking Stops

City commuters will soon see visible reminders at busshelters that smoking in those areas is illegal.

The city Department of Transportation (DOT), after prodding from City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley, plans to design “no smoking” signs to be installed at all bus shelters.

A spokesperson from Crowley’s office stated that the timetable for installing the signage is unknown at this time.

Smoking has been prohibited in bus shelters for over 10 years; the Smoke-Free Air Act of 2002 prohibited smoking in public transportation facilities such as subway platforms, waiting rooms and bus shelters.

Crowley’s office contacted the DOT about the signage after getting complaints from residents about secondhand smoke, according to a spokesperson for the lawmaker.

She sent a letter to the DOT on Dec. 26, 2012 requesting the installation of signage; DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan responded on Jan. 16 stating that the agency plans to submit a proposed sign design to the city Design Commission.

“New Yorkers on their way to work or school should not have to deal with the dangers of secondhand smoke—a known human carcinogen— while waiting for the bus,” said Crowley in a statement. “I thank the DOT for working with me to spread awareness that smoking is prohibited in bus shelters and protecting the health of city residents.”